South Africa has accused Israel of acts of genocide against
the Palestinian people and is taking Israel to the International
Court of Justice at The Hague.
Here's 5 things you need to know about the case.
On December 29th, South Africa filed an 84 page application
to the ICJ.
South Africa says that Israel has targeted Palestinians in Gaza
by killing large numbers of them and inflicting conditions intended
to bring about the destruction of the Palestinian people.
That includes destroying homes, blocking access to food,
water, medical care and even imposing measures to prevent the
birth of Palestinians.
They have used detailed references to UN officials and reports
and say they will provide more evidence in court.
South Africa says that Israel is acting with specific intent
to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.
The application cites expressions of genocidal intent against the Palestinian
people by various Israeli state officials,
including seven statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This is a battle, not only of Israel against these
Barbarians.
It's a battle of civilization against barbarism.
Israel, which has a history of ignoring international tribunals,
has confirmed that it will defend itself at the ICJ.
Israel has denied South Africa's accusations,
calling them blood libel and accusing South Africa of being
criminally complicit with Hamas.
And Israel's ally, the United States,
says it draws attention away from any peace efforts.
We believe the submission against Israel to the International Court
of Justice distracts the world from all of these important
efforts.
And moreover, the charge of genocide is meritless.
Court proceedings at the ICJ can take years.
South Africa has asked the court to provide interim measures
to prevent further acts of genocide.
The ICJ says the request will be prioritized.
The court could provide a provisional ruling within weeks.
Can South Africa's case against Israel stop the war?
Israel and South Africa are party to the ICJ and
the United Nations Genocide Convention,
which means that if the court rules that Israel is
committing acts of genocide and should hold military action,
this will be binding. However,
the court lacks the power to enforce rulings.
Experts are saying that the case may be one of
the most important instruments of international pressure against Israel.